Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Among the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, combined with his load and the machine itself, remains in the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to using a lift truck, we must be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load which is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for instance a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for numerous lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for example, then great caution and care have to be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
In addition, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. Care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be taken into consideration. Be really careful whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby could stay a lot safer. This would truly ensure balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.